The Indians of Lousiana represent one of the state’s most fascinating stories. Proud, industrious, and resourceful, the various tribes have left their imprint in a variety of ways. One finds links to these old cultures simply by taking notice of some of Louisiana’s place names—Houma, Caddo, Atakapas, Natchitoches, Tangipahao, Bayougoula, and Uochita are but a few examples. But the story of Louisiana’s Indians isn’t limited to names.
In Indians of Louisiana, Dr. Fred B. Kniffen traces the journeys of the first Indians to arrive in Louisiana more than a thousand years ago and provides a general overview of their cultures. The earliest Indians, he points out, had no bows and arrows, no axes, and made no pottery. He reconstructs the cultures of these fascinating and mysterious early inhabitants through archaeological studies of Indian “middies”—great white mounds of clamshells and dirt.
About the Author
But archeology is just one tack taken by Kniffen in the course of his studies. A professor of geography and anthropology at Louisiana State University, he is considered one of the state’s foremost authorities on the subject of indigenous cultures. In addition to his archaeological approach, Dr. Kniffen also looks at the cultural aspect of Louisiana’s Indian tribes; he records their legends and their tales and doesn’t leave out modern history, either. The story of the Europeans’ arrival to Louisiana and their inevitable conquest of the Indians is also recounted.
About the Illustrator
Mildred Compton’s lively and accurate illustrations add depth and color to this authoritative and entertaining work.
THE INDIANS OF LOUISIANA
Fred B. Kniffen
Illustrated by Mildred Compton
JUVENILE NONFICTION / People & Places / United States / Native American
112 pp. 6 x 9
Illustrations Glossary
5th ptg.
ISBN: 9780911116977